After the winter we have experienced here in Owensboro, many kids and parents are looking forward to Spring Break. The promise of better weather, a vacation, and relaxation is something that cannot come soon enough. But what about families that don’t go on vacation? We have Smothers Park, which can certainly give kids a fun, safe place to get out of the house and play. But here are some other ideas worth considering for those families taking a stay-cation in our great town.
Make a List:
As the days until Spring Break count down, begin compiling a list of activities for your kids to do. Although as parents, we often “wing it,” being prepared early can save you money and ensure you are not scrambling to find something to do once your kids get bored of entertaining themselves. Here are some simple, frugal ideas from Owensboro Parent that you and your family can do at home:
• Crafts – bring out the markers, glitter, glue, recyclables, odds and ends.
• Cook together. Try new foods and old favorites. Share meals with friends.
• Organize homemade obstacle courses (inside or out)– under the table, behind the couch, around the chairs, bunny hop…
• Make homemade play dough with flour and salt…you can find recipes on Pinterest.
• Bring out old Halloween costumes! Kids can think up all kinds of amazing things… making skits, dances, plays. Let their imagination run wild! Video tape these creative productions with your iPhone – kids can do that for HOURS!
• Redecorate a child’s room. Change the colors or let the kids paint a mural on the wall.
• Make bird feeders, windsocks or kites. Plant spring bulbs. Enjoy the Spring weather, even if you don’t get to take a trip to the beach.
Think Ahead:
The list of activities you come up with will depend on what your kids like to do. Regardless of what makes the list, be sure to be prepared. Gather supplies, go shopping, whatever is required in order to be ready to go once Spring Break rolls around.
• Start collecting recyclables — boxes of all sizes, egg cartons, buttons, paper, and cloth items to be cut up. These make for the perfect craft supplies.
• Stock up on the craft supplies you can’t just find around the house– glue, markers, glitter, scissors, tape.
• Borrow library books, CDs or DVDs. You can find videos on crafts, cooking with kids, topics of interests, hobbies, collections.
• Stock up on basic baking supplies and ingredients for kids to help you prepare healthy snacks and meals.
Check the Owensboro Calendar for a full list of events going on for Spring Break!